John C. Beasley Park, formerly known as John Beasley Wayside Park, is a public beach area on Okaloosa Island in Florida. It was established as a state park to provide beach access for African Americans during the era of segregation. After desegregation it was turned over to the Okaloosa County.[1] The park is named for John C. Beasley.[2] Fodor's reported the park had 2-dune walkovers, showers, parking, toilets, lifeguards, and picnic tables.[3]

A commemorative plaque was installed at the park in 2015. It was the only beach open to African Americans in Okaloosa County until desegregation.[1]

In May 2020, The Northwest Florida Daily News published a photograph of the beach from the 1970s (#112)[4]

References

  1. 1 2 Freeman, Danielle (December 10, 2015). "Park Ranger Andrew Hill Commemorated At Beasley Park". wuwf.org. WUWF-FM 88.1. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  2. ↑ Barlow, Kari C. (December 10, 2014). "County committee pushing to recognize black history at Beasley Park". nwfdailynews.com. Northwest Florida Daily News. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  3. ↑ Guides, Fodor's Travel (October 28, 2014). Fodor's Florida 2015. Fodor's Travel. ISBN 9780804142960 – via Google Books.
  4. ↑ "Photos: VINTAGE That's the way, uh huh, uh huh, we liked Fort Walton Beach in the 1970s". Northwest Florida Daily News.

30°23′38″N 86°35′3″W / 30.39389°N 86.58417°W / 30.39389; -86.58417

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